Candace’s Corner
· Spirit Hour: New Castle Brown Ale in honor of Venerable Bebe
· Pray Day 8 of the Novena for our Pope and Bishops
· Foodie: Jamie Oliver born 1975
· Bucket List: Monsoon Wellness
· National Grape Day
National Headache Awareness Week 1-7 June[1] aims to shed light on the significant impact headaches have on everyday life. Celebrated in early June, this awareness week draws attention to the millions who suffer from migraines and other types of headaches. The event plays a crucial role in driving conversation and support around this often-overlooked health issue. The primary reason for celebrating this week is to increase awareness and promote understanding. Many people are unaware of how severe and frequent headaches can be for those who experience them. By sharing knowledge, the goal is to reduce stigma and encourage empathy for those affected. Another important reason behind this week is to encourage sufferers to seek proper treatment. Many suffer silently, thinking their pain is unavoidable or that it’s not severe enough to warrant attention. National Headache Awareness Week aims to change that by emphasizing the importance of recognizing the symptoms and seeking help
Introduction to the Book of Wisdom
The Book of Wisdom, also
known as the Wisdom of Solomon, is a deuterocanonical book included in the
Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Bibles but not in the Hebrew Bible or most
Protestant versions. It was written in Greek, likely in Alexandria, Egypt, and
is generally dated to the mid-first century BC.
Summary of the Book of
Wisdom
The book is structured
into three main sections:
Book of Eschatology –
Encourages rulers to seek righteousness and wisdom. It contrasts the fate of
the wicked and the just.
Book of Wisdom – A speech
attributed to Solomon, discussing wisdom, wealth, power, and prayer.
Book of History – A
reflection on God's guidance throughout history, including plagues, false
worship, and divine mercy.
The central theme of the
book is wisdom, which is portrayed as both a divine gift and an eternal
presence with God. It emphasizes that wisdom leads to righteousness and
immortality, while wickedness leads to destruction.
MAY 27 Rogation Tuesday
Please pray for the intentions of
my wife Mary Katherine (name
meaning: Star of the Sea my Purest One) for today is her birthday.
Wisdom, Chapter 4, Verse 16-20
Yes, the righteous one who has died
will condemn the sinful who live; and youth, swiftly completed, will condemn
the many years of the unrighteous who have grown old. For they will see the
death of the wise one and will not understand what the LORD intended, or why he
kept him safe. They will see and hold him in contempt; but the LORD will laugh
them to scorn, and they shall afterward become dishonored corpses and an
unceasing mockery among the dead. For he shall strike them down speechless and
prostrate and rock them to their foundations; They shall be utterly laid waste
and shall be in grief and their memory shall perish. FEARFUL shall they
come at the counting up of their sins, and their lawless deeds shall convict
them to their face.
This is about the Judgment of the Wicked. Early
death is not a punishment for the righteous because genuine old age is the
attainment of perfection and early death is a preservation from corruption. The
old age and death of the wicked, however, will not be honorable.
I would reflect on this verse if I was a pro-choice
political. I would prostrate myself before the Lord and make retribution for my
offenses; it’s not to late-Joe.
Rogationtide Tuesday[1]
The Lesser Rogation Days
prior to the Ascension were especially important in rural communities dependent
on agricultural bounty. They were also the inspiration for a number of
semi-liturgical imitations, where farmers would take holy water and douse their
fields for protection and blessing. Perhaps this would be a good time to have
one's garden blessed. Another interesting feature of Rogationtide is the
tradition of having parishioners end resentments or conflicts that had been
festering between them. Ekman Duffy's The Stripping of the Altars includes
vivid accounts from pre-Reformation England of some of these reconciliations.[2]
Today
would be a good day to reflect on what we want to harvest this fall; so, like
farmers we must till the soil of our soul reflecting this day on our use of our
TALENTS and look at in what ways we may offer our abilities to Christ to help
build a harvest for His Kingdom.
Human
Work[3]
Saint John Paul II wrote
the Encyclical "Laborem Exercens" in 1981, on the occasion of the
90th anniversary of Leo XIII's Encyclical "Rerum Novarum" on the
question of labor. In it he develops the concept of man's dignity in work, structuring
it in four points: the subordination of work to man; the primacy of the worker
over the whole of instruments and conditioning that historically constitute the
world of labor; the rights of the human person as the determining factor of all
socio-economic, technological and productive processes, that must be
recognized; and some elements that can help all men identify with Christ
through their own work.
Work is one of these
aspects, a perennial and fundamental one, one that is always relevant and
constantly demands renewed attention and decisive witness."
The Church considers it
her task always to call attention to the dignity and rights of those who work,
to condemn situations in which that dignity and those rights are violated, and
to ensure authentic progress by man and society." "Human work is a
key, probably the essential key, to the whole social question, if we try to see
that question really from the point of view of man's good. And if the solution
- or rather the gradual solution - of the social question, which keeps coming
up and becomes ever more complex, must be sought in the direction of 'making
life more human', then the key, namely human work, acquires fundamental and
decisive importance."
Work and Man
John
Paul, "work is a fundamental dimension of man's existence on earth."
This conviction is found in the first pages of Genesis: "Be fruitful and
multiply and fill the earth and subdue it." "Man's dominion over the
earth is achieved in and by means of work. ... The proper subject of work
continues to be man," and the finality of work "is always man
himself." It is a question of the objective and subjective meaning of
work: although both are important, the second takes precedence; "there is
no doubt that human work has an ethical value of its own, which clearly and
directly remains linked to the fact that the one who carries it out is a
person, a conscious and free subject, that is to say a subject that decides
about himself." Although technology fosters an increase in the things
produced by work, sometimes it "can cease to be man's ally and become
almost his enemy, as when the mechanization of work 'supplants' him, taking
away all personal satisfaction and the incentive to creativity and responsibility,
when it deprives many workers of their previous employment, or when, through exalting the machine, it
reduces man to the status of its slave." "in order to achieve
social justice in the various parts of the world, in the various countries, and
in the relationships between them, there is a need for ever new movements of
solidarity of the workers and with the workers."
"Work is a good thing
for man - a good thing for his humanity - because through work man not only
transforms nature, adapting it to his own needs, but he also achieves
fulfillment as a human being and indeed, in a sense, becomes 'more a human
being'."
Conflict: Labor and Capital in the
Present Phase of History
The Pope observes that
during the period which has passed since the publication of "Rerum
Novarum" (1891), "which is by no means yet over, the issue of work
has of course been posed on the basis of the great conflict that in the age of,
and together with, industrial development emerged between 'capital' and
'labor'." This antagonism "found expression in the ideological
conflict between liberalism, understood as the ideology of capitalism, and
Marxism, understood as the ideology of scientific socialism and communism,
which professes to act as the spokesman for the working class and the
world-wide proletariat." Later, he recalls the principle of "the
priority of labor over capital." The first "is always a primary
efficient cause, while capital, the whole collection of means of production,
remains a mere instrument or instrumental cause." Thus appears the error
of economism, "that of considering human labor solely according to its
economic purpose." John Paul II then refers to the right to private
property, emphasizing that the Church's teaching regarding this principle
"diverges radically from the program of collectivism as proclaimed by
Marxism," and "the program of capitalism practiced by liberalism and
by the political systems inspired by it." "The position of 'rigid'
capitalism continues to remain unacceptable, namely the position that defends
the exclusive right to private ownership of the means of production as an
untouchable 'dogma' of economic life. The principle of respect for work demands
that this right should undergo a constructive revision, both in theory and in
practice." For this reason, regardless of the type of system of
production, it is necessary for each worker to be aware that "he is
working 'for himself'."
Rights of Workers
The Holy Father highlights
that the human rights that are derived from work are a part of the fundamental
rights of the person.
·
He
discusses the need to take action against unemployment, which is a true social
calamity and a problem of a moral as well as an economic nature. Starting with
the concept of the "indirect employer," in other words, "all the
agents at the national and international level that are responsible for the
whole orientation of labor policy," he notes that in order to solve the
problem of unemployment, these agents "must make provision for overall
planning." This "cannot mean one-sided centralization by the public
authorities. Instead, what is in question is a just and rational coordination,
within the framework of which the initiative of individuals ... must be
safeguarded."
·
Speaking
of the rights of workers, he recalls the dignity of agricultural work and the
need to offer jobs to disabled people. As for the matter of salaries, he writes
that "the key problem of social ethics in this case is that of just
remuneration for work done."
·
In
addition, "there must be a social re-evaluation of the mother's
role." Specifically, "the whole labor process must be organized and
adapted in such a way as to respect the requirements of the person and his or
her forms of life, above all life in the home, taking into account the
individual's age and sex."
·
It
is fitting that women "should be able to fulfill their tasks in accordance
with their own nature, without being discriminated against and without being
excluded from jobs for which they are capable, but also without lack of respect
for their family aspirations and for their specific role in contributing,
together with men, to the good of society."
·
Besides wages, there are other social benefits
whose objective is "to ensure the life and health of workers and their
families." In this regard, he notes the right to leisure time, which
should include weekly rest and yearly vacations.
·
The
Pope then considers the importance of unions, which he calls "an
indispensable element of social life." "One method used by unions in
pursuing the just rights of their members is the strike or work stoppage. This
method is recognized by Catholic social teaching as legitimate in the proper
conditions and within just limits," but must not be abused.
·
As
for the question of emigration for work reasons, he affirms that man has the
right to leave his country to seek better living conditions in another.
"The most important thing is
that the person working away from his native land, whether as a permanent
emigrant or as a seasonal worker, should not be placed at a disadvantage in
comparison with the other workers in that society in the matter of working
rights."
Elements for a Spirituality of Work
·
Labor
has meaning in God's eyes. Thus, "the knowledge that by means of work man
shares in the work of creation constitutes the most profound motive for
undertaking it in various sectors."
·
Labor
is participation in the work of the Creator and the Redeemer. Jesus Christ
looks upon work with love because he himself was a laborer.
·
This
is a doctrine, and at the same time a program, that is rooted in the
"Gospel of work" proclaimed by Jesus of Nazareth. "By enduring
the toil of work in union with Christ crucified for us, man in a way
collaborates with the Son of God for the redemption of humanity. He shows
himself a true disciple of Christ by carrying the cross in his turn every day
in the activity that he is called upon to perform."
Apostolic Exhortation[4]
Veneremur
Cernui – Down in Adoration Falling
of The Most
Reverend Thomas J. Olmsted, Bishop of Phoenix,
to Priests, Deacons, Religious and the Lay Faithful of the Diocese of Phoenix
on the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist
My beloved Brothers and
Sisters in Christ,
I. The Graces of Holy Communion
ii. We become “One Body and One
Spirit in Christ.”
46. In Holy Communion, Christ
is present in us. Holy Communion allows Christ through us to go to every corner
and alley of the world so that where there is division and hate, He will bring
love; where there is suffering and pain, He will bring comfort and consolation;
and where there is discouragement and sin, He will bring healing and
forgiveness.
Imagine if each of us Christians
makes the Eucharist the source and summit of our life?
We would set the
world on fire with Christ’s love!
II. Faith perceives what our
senses fail to grasp.
47. What must we do then, to
assure that Holy Communion bestows these life-giving and transforming effects
in our soul?
If we receive Holy
Communion out of routine only, without openness to the Lord, then we will not
receive all the graces that God wants to give. But if we receive the Lord with
the right dispositions, God’s grace will strengthen our resolve to follow, love
and imitate Him. Our Lord Jesus deeply desires our union with Him in Holy
Communion and through it He wishes to bring about our transformation into Him
and the transformation of our society in which we live. But we, on our part,
must ardently desire this union with Jesus Christ as well.
48. In today’s superficial and
fast paced culture that is driven by instant results and gratification, it is
easy for us to lose our sense of wonder when we come face to face with the
miracle of the Eucharist. Living in a culture that seeks sensational headlines
and attention-catching spectacles, we can easily take for granted the Eucharist
and receive Jesus in Holy Communion with little to no expectation. Contrary to
what our culture offers and seeks, the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist is so
quiet, so gentle, and imperceivable.
Four Approved Eucharistic Miracles
from the 21st Century[5]
In his writings on the Eucharist, Fr. Spitzer reminds us that a Eucharistic miracle occurs every day, at every holy mass across the world, when the substance of bread and wine is transformed into the substance of Jesus’ body and blood.
However, the term “Eucharistic miracle" can
also refer to extraordinary empirical signs of Jesus’ presence in the
Eucharist, such as bleeding hosts or the transmutation of a consecrated host
into a piece of cardiac muscle tissue.
Some notable Eucharistic miracles happened years and
years ago (i.e. the Eucharistic Miracle of Lanciano, Italy in the 8th century
and the Eucharistic Miracle of Santarem, Portugal in the 13th century). Others
have happened in more recent history, such as the scientifically proven
Eucharistic miracles of Buenos Aires in 1992-1996. However, there are a handful
that have taken place in just the past 20 years. Below are four stories of
approved and recent Eucharistic miracles.
1. Legnica: A Bleeding Host
in Poland, 2013
On Christmas Day 2013, at the Church of Saint
Hyacinth in Legnica, Poland, a consecrated host fell on the floor. The host was
put into a container with water so that it would dissolve. Instead, it formed
red stains. In Feb. 2014, the host was examined by various research institutes
including the Department of Forensic Medicine in Szczecin who stated:
“In the
histopathological image, the fragments were found containing the fragmented
parts of the cross-striated muscle. It is most similar to the heart muscle.”
Additionally, and similar to the findings of the
Eucharistic miracle of Lanciano, Italy, research found that the tissue had
alterations that would appear during great distress.
The bleeding Host in Poland was approved for
veneration in April 2016, by Bishop Zbigniew Kiernikowski of Legnica who said
that it “has the hallmarks of a Eucharistic miracle.” Learn more here
2. Tixtla: Eucharistic
Miracle in Mexico, 2006
In Oct. 2006, a parish in the Chilpancingo-Chilapa
Diocese of Mexico held a retreat. During mass, two priests and a religious
sister were distributing communion when the religious sister looked at the
celebrant with tears in her eyes. The Host that she held had begun to effuse a
reddish substance.
To determine the validity of the event, Bishop Alejo
Zavala Castro asked Dr. Ricardo Castañón Gómez (who researched the Eucharistic
miracle in Buenos Aires) and his team to conduct scientific research.
In 2013, the research concluded that:
“The
reddish substance analyzed corresponds to blood in which there are hemoglobin
and DNA of human origin… The blood type is AB, similar to the one found in the
Host of Lanciano and in the Holy Shroud of Turin.”
Learn more about the Tixtla eucharistic miracle here.
3. A Eucharistic Miracle at
Chirattakonam, India, 2001
Though most Eucharistic miracles have to do with a
bleeding host, the one at at Chirattakonam, India was a bit different. On an
April morning in 2001, Fr. Johnson Karoor, pastor at St. Mary’s parish in
Chirattakonam, India, exposed the Blessed Sacrament for adoration. Soon Fr.
Karoor noticed three dots on the host and shared what he saw with the people,
who also saw the dots.
The priest then left for a week and came back to
find that the host had developed an image of a human face. To ensure it wasn’t
his imagination, he asked an alter server if he saw anything in the host.
“I see
the figure of a man,” the alter server replied. After mass, Fr. Karoor had a
local photographer capture the image of the host:
Read more about the Miracle at Chirattakonam here.
4. The Eucharistic Miracle
in Sokolka, Poland, 2008
Before the bleeding host in Legnica, there was
another Eucharistic miracle in Poland that occurred in the city of Sokolka.
The miracle took place in 2008 at the church of St.
Anthony. That morning during Mass, a priest accidentally dropped a host while
distributing Communion. The Host was then put in a small container of water.
The pastor, Fr. Stanislaw Gniedziejko, asked the sacristan, Sister Julia
Dubowska of the Congregation of the Eucharistic Sisters, to place the container
in a safe in the sacristy. After a week, Sister Julia checked on the host. When
she opened the safe, she smelled something like unleavened bread and the host
had a red blood stain on it.
Immediately, Sister Julia and Fr. Gniedziejko told
the archbishop of Bialystok, Bishop Edward Ozorowski, about the host. The
Bishop had the stained host taken out of the container and placed on a
corporal, where it stayed in the tabernacle for three years. During this time,
the stained fragment of the host dried out (appearing more like a blood stain
or clot) and several studies were commissioned on the host. The studies found
that the altered fragment of the host is identical to the myocardial (heart) tissue
of a person who is nearing death. Additionally, the structure of the muscle
fibers and that of the bread are interwoven in a way impossible to produce by
human means.
Learn more about the bleeding Host in Poland here.
For more on Eucharistic miracles, see “The Eucharistic Miracle Overseen
by Archbishop Bergoglio (Now Pope Francis)” and Fr. Spitzer’s article,
"Contemporary, Scientifically
Validated Miracles Associated with Blessed Mary, Saints and the Holy Eucharist.” See
also,
“For us
believers what we have seen is something that we have always believed… If our
Lord is speaking to us by giving us this sign, it certainly needs a response
from us.” –
Bishop Cyril Mar Baselice, Archbishop of the diocese
of Trivandrum on the Eucharistic Miracle at Chirattakonam, India
Catechism
of the Catholic Church
Day 345 2692
PART FOUR: CHRISTIAN PRAYER
SECTION ONE-PRAYER IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
CHAPTER TWO-THE TRADITION OF PRAYER
Article 3-GUIDES FOR PRAYER
IN BRIEF
2692 In prayer, the pilgrim Church is associated with that
of the saints, whose intercession she asks.
2693 The different schools of Christian spirituality share
in the living tradition of prayer and are precious guides for the spiritual
life.
2694 The Christian family is the first place for education
in prayer.
2695 Ordained ministers, the consecrated life, catechesis,
prayer groups, and "spiritual direction" ensure assistance within the
Church in the practice of prayer.
2696 The most appropriate places for prayer are personal or
family oratories, monasteries, places of pilgrimage, and above all the church,
which is the proper place for liturgical prayer for the parish community and
the privileged place for Eucharistic adoration.
CHAPTER THREE-THE LIFE OF PRAYER
2697 Prayer is
the life of the new heart. It ought to animate us at every moment. But we tend
to forget him who is our life and our all. This is why the Fathers of the
spiritual life in the Deuteronomic and prophetic traditions insist that prayer
is a remembrance of God often awakened by the memory of the heart "We must
remember God more often than we draw breath." But we cannot pray
"at all times" if we do not pray at specific times, consciously
willing it These are the special times of Christian prayer, both in intensity
and duration.
2698 The
Tradition of the Church proposes to the faithful certain rhythms of praying
intended to nourish continual prayer. Some are daily, such as morning and
evening prayer, grace before and after meals, the Liturgy of the Hours.
Sundays, centered on the Eucharist, are kept holy primarily by prayer. the
cycle of the liturgical year and its great feasts are also basic rhythms of the
Christian's life of prayer.
2699 The Lord
leads all persons by paths and in ways pleasing to him, and each believer
responds according to his heart's resolve and the personal expressions of his
prayer. However, Christian Tradition has retained three major expressions of
prayer: vocal meditative, and contemplative. They have one basic trait in
common: composure of heart. This vigilance in keeping the Word and dwelling in
the presence of God makes these three expressions intense times in the life of
prayer.
Today is “Nothing to Fear Day”
Have
you ever tried to conquer your fears in one day?
Nothing
to Fear Day, celebrated on May 27th, encourages people to face their fears
head-on. It is a day to step out of your comfort zone and confidently tackle
life’s challenges. Inspired by Franklin D. Roosevelt’s famous phrase, “The only
thing we have to fear is fear itself,” this day reminds us that fears can be
overcome with courage. The importance of this day lies in empowering
individuals to challenge and surpass their limits. Facing fears leads to
personal growth and a renewed sense of bravery. People feel encouraged to
tackle anxieties and uncertainties. Overcoming these fears helps open up new
opportunities and brings a sense of freedom. On this day, individuals are urged
to acknowledge and embrace the things they fear. The celebration aims to build
self-confidence and a positive mindset. Encouraging a spirit of courage is the
core goal. Nothing to Fear Day inspires everyone to be bold and take on the
world with unwavering bravery.
History of Nothing to Fear
Day
Nothing
to Fear Day draws inspiration from Franklin D. Roosevelt’s famous speech on
March 4, 1933. Roosevelt, addressing a nation gripped by the Great Depression,
offered words of encouragement. His most memorable line was, “The only thing we
have to fear is fear itself.” This resonated with many Americans, offering hope
during those tough times. Over the years, this idea evolved into a celebration
that encourages people to face their fears. Although the exact origins of this
day remain unclear, it aims to promote courage and self-confidence. People
believe it serves as a reminder that overcoming fear is essential for growth
and success. It is not just a random date but a powerful statement to reflect
Roosevelt’s message. This day symbolizes hope. It calls upon individuals to
embrace challenges with bravery. The day has grown beyond its historical roots
to become a celebration of resilience and personal development. It reminds
everyone that conquering fears opens up new opportunities. Roosevelt’s message
from 1933 still resonates, urging us to be courageous in the face of adversity.
How to Celebrate Nothing
to Fear Day
Face
Your Fears
Nothing
to Fear Day calls for facing fears head-on. Try something you’ve always been
nervous about. Perhaps public speaking, skydiving, or chatting with that
neighbor you’ve never spoken to.
Face the
fear, feel the thrill, and relish the satisfaction.
Seek Out Adventure
Adventure
awaits for the brave! Take this day to plan an exciting outdoor trip. Maybe
it’s a hike up a challenging mountain or a spontaneous road trip. Whatever it
is, make sure it pushes your boundaries.
Expand Your Horizons
Expand
horizons by trying something new. Take up painting, join a dance class, or cook
a dish you’ve never tried before. New experiences broaden your perspective and
give you the confidence to tackle the unknown.
Spread Positivity
Celebrate
by inspiring others to conquer their fears. Share positive messages and
encourage people to be bold. Your encouragement might be the boost someone
needs to face a challenge head-on.
Meditate on Courage
Meditation
helps to cultivate courage from within. Spend a few quiet moments reflecting on
times when you’ve faced fears and overcome them. Visualizing past successes can
inspire you to embrace new challenges.
Make a Fear List
Grab a
pen and paper to list fears you want to tackle. Putting them down makes them
more manageable. Then, create an action plan to tackle them one by one, turning
fear into opportunities for growth.
Daily Devotions
·
Unite in the work of the Porters of St. Joseph by joining them
in fasting: Protection
of Life from Conception until natural death. Read it and weep Joe.
·
Litany of the Most Precious
Blood of Jesus
·
Offering to
the sacred heart of Jesus
·
Rosary
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